Wilkin Formby on Hey Coach
If there's one major difference between Nick Saban's time as the Alabama head coach and Kalen DeBoer's short time as the Alabama head coach, it's that coach DeBoer is more open to a media presence in his program.
That includes access to Tide players. Alabama offensive tackle joined Roger Hoover on the Hey Coach radio show on Monday night to discuss the offensive line and the new head coach.
Alabama returns two starters from last season's interior offensive line, but multiple depth pieces and a potentially new starting center were on the TIde's roster last season. They're still hungry for the championship hunt after Alabama's loss to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
In addition, Alabama will return Kadyn Proctor to the lineup, who was a starter last season at left tackle, but transferred to Iowa after Coach Saban retired in January. Proctor announced in mid-March he would return to Alabama once the transfer portal opened up. Proctor was present on Monday night while Coach DeBoer spoke, but did not speak to or acknowledge each other.
Formby, a presumed starter at right tackle for the Tide this season, spoke during his time on the show about the offensive line and what Kadyn Proctor brings back to the program, "We got a lot of guys on the inside coming back, and then we're looking in the transfer portal at Kadyn Proctor. He's a beast."
He also spoke about Summer workouts, which are set to begin after the Spring semester concludes in a couple of weeks, "I think if we have a big summer and do what we're supposed to do in the offseason, we can be very successful."
The offensive line was a sticking point in the memories of Alabama fans last season, with an open competition at left tackle until midseason, poor blocking throughout the year that had Coach Saban flustered in media appearances, and snapping issues that persisted all year long and ultimately cost Alabama a chance at a National Championship. Alabama fans will put a lot of pressure on the offensive line to perform early, especially with now three returning starters on the line, and Formby presumably taking over at right tackle. Alabama's center position is still manned by James Brockermeyer right now, but should Parker Brailsford return to the lineup in Summer or Fall, that competition could open back up.
Formby also discussed playing for Alabama after growing up a native in Tuscaloosa. He said it was, "always my dream."
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